Even if naturalized Filipino Andray Blatche did not suit up for China Kashgar, Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas had a tough time containing the Chinese club team, bowing out of contention in the 2017 FIBA Asia Champions Cup after absorbing a 70-86 defeat, Thursday evening in Chenzhou, China.
The loss dropped Chooks-to-Go to the placement round, where they Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai in the fifth to eight placement semifinals. The game will take place on Friday.
For the first time in the tournament, Isaiah Austin struggled from the field, shooting just 5-for-12 from the field for 16 points to go along with 11 rebounds. Kiefer Ravena finished with 16 markers as well.
Moreover, the team went cold from downtown once again, just like in its game against Petrochimi, going just 5-for-23 in threes compared to China’s 14-for-35 clip from the same range.
Behind Darius Adams, China started the game strong, taking a 17-4 lead to start the game. Chooks-to-Go was able to fight right back, knotting the game at 39-all after a lay-up by Kiefer Ravena with 2:00 left in the half.
Behind Yu Changdong and Xi Re Li Jiang Mugedaer, China was able to build a double-digit lead in the third frame and never looked back. China’s lead balooned to as much as 21 points, 84-63, after a basket by Kelanbaike Makan.
Jett Manuel and Carl Cruz chipped in 10 markers each for Chooks-to-Go.
Adams led China with 23 points and nine rebounds, while Xi Re Li Jiang added 20 markers.
The Scores:
Chooks-to-Go 70 – Austin 16, Ravena 16, Cruz 10, Manuel 10, Jose 5, Torres 5, Jero. Teng 4, Tamsi 2, Vosotros 2, Revilla 0, Jeri. Teng 0.
China 86 – Adams 23, Xi Re Li Jiang 20, Yu 11, Wang 8, Makan 7, Sun M 6, Li 4, Tang 3, Liu 2, Sun T 2.
Quarterscores: 17-24, 39-45, 57-68, 70-86.
